About Us

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The Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA) represents the interests of its African and International members to government, airport operators and other stakeholders in the airline industry with the aim of facilitating and further developing a safe, efficient and viable aviation industry in South Africa. BARSA provides a single concerted voice on policy and other matters in relation to government and other stakeholders in transport, business and tourism. Within this structure, and as members of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), BARSA remains at the helm; offering a voice to African and International airlines operating to and from the Republic of South Africa.

  • Our Vision

    Developing a safe, efficient and viable aviation industry in South Africa.

  • Our Objectives

    It is our commitment to promote sustainable aviation, air transport development and economic growth by:

    • Engaging on policy and other regulatory matters with government, representative organisations and other industry stakeholders
    • Informing and educating international airlines operating to and from the Republic of South Africa on common industry issues
    • Promoting tourism and increasing employment opportunities
    • Facilitating a safe and convenient passenger experience
    • Engaging in negotiations between relevant stakeholders within the South African aviation industry
  • We do not engage in
    • Anti-competitive activity, fares or any pricing policies and agency remunerations
    • Any other commercial policies between members and their distribution channels
    • We are not an ombudsman for airlines. Complaints should be dealt directly with airlines

    To view the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), please click here

Our Mandate

  • Strategic Aviation Matters

    BARSA is committed to the development of a viable and sustainable aviation industry in South Africa, and is a strategic partner in achieving the country’s 2030 vision for the air transport sector, as articulated in the National Development Plan. In this regard, BARSA participates in and makes deliberate and well considered representations at all levels including but not limited to; Government Departments, Business Forums and Public Organisations as well as within the broad travel and tourism value chain. BARSA not only represents members in matters affecting common interests, but contributes in the public discourse for sustainable industry development.

  • Air Transport Legislation

    Aeropolitical, Policy, Regulation, Statutory Bodies – BARSA is actively involved in the development of legislation and the policy framework that governs air transport services in South Africa. Currently, BARSA is party to the review and rationalisation of the Licensing Acts (the Air Services Licensing Act of 1990 and the International Air Services Act of 1993). BARSA adopts a collaborative approach in engaging especially the Department of Transport, which is the custodian of air transport legislation. And together with other industry players, BARSA also preoccupies itself with regulations pertaining to civil aviation broadly, including aviation safety and security, as well as ease of passenger movement through airports.

  • Aviation Infrastructure

    Airports, Airspace, Weather Services – BARSA is very involved in the planning and provisioning of aviation infrastructure, and the suitability of this infrastructure and associated services provided to its members. BARSA participates in the consultations processes concerned with major projects at airports to ensure designs are operationally appropriate and cost effective. In this regard, the tariff negotiations allow all industry players including BARSA, to balance the needs of various stakeholders and agree on a framework that provides for the development and delivery of world-class infrastructure that meets the operational needs of our members.

  • Airport Operational Efficiencies

    Procedures and Service Standards – BARSA, on behalf of its members, monitors airport operational efficiencies and the extent to which airport operators and other service providers meet the globally benchmarked standards, and align with rules and regulations as set by ICAO; IATA and other global aviation organisations. For this reason, BARSA participates in the National End-to- End Forum, a stakeholder platform organised and chaired by ACSA that involves airline associations, ground handlers, immigration, security, customer care and related airport operations agencies. Its main focus is punctuality / on-time performance of aircraft, continuous systems improvement and process quality (this is about ensuring smooth operations at the airport, including customer experience)

  • Environmental Protection

    BARSA supports the development of environmental standards and recommended practices of ICAO. For this reason, we are actively involved in supporting IATA’s drive for the implementation of CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting Scheme for International Aviation). In collaboration with government and other industry stakeholders, including airports, air traffic navigation service providers and the South African Civil Aviation Authority, BARSA works tirelessly to promote sustainable and eco sensitive air transport development and to reduce the impact of operations on the environment.

Who We Work With

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    Government Departments

    Department of Transport, National Department of Tourism, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, Treasury, Department of Environmental Affairs

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    Regulatory Bodies

    South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)

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    The Aviation Industry Service Providers

    Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), South African Weather Service (SAWS)

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    Aviation Industry Associations

    The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), The International Air Transport Association (IATA), The African Airlines Association (AFRAA), The Board of Airline Representatives of Africa

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    Business Associations and Value Chain Partners

    Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), South African Tourism (SAT)

Working For Our Members